Avalanche safety, awareness clinics this weekend

Posted: January 10, 2014 - 8:42am

JUNEAU EMPIRE

The public is invited to a pair of free avalanche awareness courses taught by local experts on Saturday and Sunday at Eaglecrest Ski Area.

According to Tom Mattice, City and Borough of Juneau emergency coordinator, the Saturday course runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will focus on evaluating the stability of snowpack, as well as companion rescue skills training. The course is geared toward those looking to gain a basic understanding of avalanche safety.

Sunday's course runs from 1-3 p.m. at Eaglecrest and will feature a rescue skills clinic geared toward individuals already familiar with avalanche awareness. Instructors will also offer a refresher course on how to use an avalanche beacon and probe.

Both courses require pre-registration. For more information and to sign up for the courses, email Mattice at Tom_Mattice@ci.juneau.ak.us.